Hatha Yoga

Hatha Yoga is a centuries old system with a pervasive effect on all levels of human functioning. Its physical exercises, called asana, provide maximum reward with an emphasis on minimal effort. Our bodies seek to maintain homeostasis- in other words, the body tries to go back to where it was the moment before. If we spend this moment in deepened awareness with a relaxed body, it is more likely that our physiology will resort to this state in the future. It is not necessary to force ourselves into awkward or uncomfortable positions to find a sense of balance and ease; we first begin with finding basic symmetry in the body and deepened awareness and functioning of the breath. Merely affecting the breath is enough to reduce and relieve the effects of stress, depression, and other emotional challenges. Through gentle guidance and the healing power of the breath, the physical body opens gently towards increased wellness and flexibility.

Traditional Yoga employs techniques and practices
from Patanjali's eight-fold path:
  • Yamas- “do not’s” five categories of restraints
    A. Ahimsa- compassion, non-violence
    B. Satya- truthfulness
    C. Brahmacharya- moderation, specifically in proper use of sexuality
    D. Asteya-non-stealing
    E. Aparigraha- non-hoarding
  • Niyamas- “do’s” five categories of observances
    A. Saucha-purity and cleanliness
    B. Santosha- contentedness
    C. Tapas- discipline
    D. Swadhyaya- self inquiry and sacred study
    E. Ishwara Pranidhana- living with flowing awareness of the Divine
  • Asanas- physical postures
  • Pranayama- breath control, regulation, and direction
  • Pratyahara- control of the senses
  • Dharana- one-pointed concentration. Mastery leads to:
  • Dhyana- absorption in pure meditation, devotion. Mastery leads to:
  • Samadhi- “to merge”: the deepest experience of oneness. A state of consciousness without duality.
  








By incorporating aspects of these limbs, the practitioner walks out of class feeling balanced, refreshed, and relaxed, with a greater sense of physical ease and alignment.

Try it!

Application: Decompress with Balasana (Child's Pose)

Precautions:
Not for those with painful knee injuries, chronic diarrhea, or pregnant ladies. Please practice on a carpeted floor or yoga mat and have an empty stomach.

How to:

  • Kneel on the floor with your big toes together and your knees hip width apart.
  • Lay your torso down on or between your thighs with your forehead resting on the ground. Feel that the tailbone is dropping into the earth and lift the base of the skull away from the neck to avoid compression
  • Let your arms rest at your sides with the palms facing up and feel your shoulders widening across the back.
  • Rest in this posture for three minutes or more, dropping your awareness into your soft belly rising and falling with long deep breaths. When the stomach has relaxed, shift your awareness to the back body and feel the spine expanding and widening towards the ceiling with the in-breath. With the breath out, sink further into the floor and into the fold.
  • After a few minutes, gently lengthen the spine and raise the torso up with a deep and nurturing inhalation.

Modification:
Place a small cushion or folded blanket between your heels and your buttocks or underneath the forehead.

Effects:
This is a deep forward fold and is easy to do with slight modifications if necessary. It will open the hips and relieve moderate forms of neck or back pain. It stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system and calms the mind, bringing immediate relief from stress and fatigue.


































 
 


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